A Closer Look at the Rasmussen University – Bloomington Campus
New to Rasmussen University? It’s only natural to want to get the inside scoop on what to expect from your local campus. We spoke with campus director Adam Farm and asked him to highlight the important information every newcomer needs to know before stepping foot on the Rasmussen – Bloomington campus.
What is the history of Rasmussen University and the Bloomington campus?
Since 1900, Rasmussen University has been building community through education. Since first opening its doors as the Rasmussen Practical School of Business in Stillwater, Minnesota in 1900, Rasmussen University has since grown to 23 campuses and has graduated thousands of students across its many programs of study. The University now offers dozens of programs across the Schools of Business, Design, Education, Health Sciences, Justice Studies, Nursing and Technology.
As Rasmussen University has continued to grow over the years, the Bloomington campus was opened in 2011 to provide an additional point of access for students across the Twin Cities looking to attend a college in Minnesota.
Where is the Bloomington campus located?
The Bloomington campus is conveniently located in the Twin Cities Metro area, south of downtown Minneapolis, with no shortage of places to check out nearby. The campus is easy to find, located right off well-known Interstate 494 and France Avenue intersection and on the sixth floor of the Two MarketPointe office building.
Late for class and worried about parking? Don’t stress–the Bloomington campus is backed with ample free, covered parking behind the building. A covered breezeway connects the five-level parking ramp to the building, perfect for rainy days and the cold winter months. For quick visits to the campus, there is short-term parking at the front of the building.
Being the fifth-largest city by population in Minnesota, the area is buzzing with things to do. The campus is just ten minutes from the Mall of America and Nickelodeon Universe and 20 minutes from the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport. If you’re looking for some fresh air, Hyland Lake Park Reserve offers everything from beautiful landscapes, a play area for your kids, an 18-hole disc golf course, a nature center and ski hills for those looking to brave the winter outdoors. Bush Lake Beach is ten minutes from campus and is a great spot to unwind in the warm months. For those interested in learning more about the stories that shape Minnesota’s history, we recommend a trip to Historic Fort Snelling, just ten miles and 15 minutes east of campus.
What programs are offered at the Bloomington campus?
The Bloomington campus offers the following on-campus programs in the School of Health Sciences and the School of Nursing:
School of Health Sciences
- Medical Assisting Diploma; The Medical Assisting Diploma program at the Bloomington campus in Minnesota is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).1
School of Nursing
- Professional Nursing (ADN): The Rasmussen University Professional Nursing Associate’s degree program in Bloomington (with an off-campus instructional site in Blaine), Minnesota, is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).2
- Professional Nursing Mobility Bridge Entrance Option (post-licensure LPN to ADN program)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing: The Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program at Rasmussen University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).3
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): The Master of Science in Nursing degree program at Rasmussen University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).3
Students can also enroll in any of Rasmussen University’s online programs through the Bloomington campus. This gives students an option for college in Minnesota that provides the best of both worlds—online course flexibility with residential campus support.
What resources and support services are offered at the Bloomington campus?
The Bloomington campus features a student lounge, designated study rooms and three computer labs available to students. For nursing students, the state-of-the-art nursing simulation lab is a key element of the Bloomington campus, allowing nursing students to learn and make decisions in real-world scenarios through simulations. Tutoring, Career Services and the Library and Learning Services are offered online and are available to all students.
“We have an open-door policy at our front desk, and the deans at the Bloomington campus are very open and willing to chat with students at any given time,” Farm says. “Our faculty and staff are just really kind, authentic and down-to-earth people who are here to support and serve our students, the community and one another.”
The facility is scheduled to open a new patio by the end of September 2018, available to both building tenants and students and offering additional study space for students during the warmer months.
How is the Bloomington campus involved in the local community?
In addition to its many employer partnerships in strong local communities, the Bloomington campus has around 30 clinical partners in the Twin Cities focused in geriatrics, acute care, long-term care, transitional care and mental health. Its strongest partner remains Cornerstone, an advocacy group and women’s shelter for victims of domestic violence. To the core, Rasmussen University is dedicated to global enrichment and meeting the evolving needs of our diverse communities. The staff and faculty of the Bloomington campus support this greater mission by volunteering with Cornerstone and its other community partners on an ongoing basis.
Quick facts about the Bloomington campus:
- Need a quick bite? Check out some of these spots:
- In the building: Ike’s Food & Cocktails on the first floor & Dakota’s Café on the second floor are convenient options.
- Looking for more? El Loro, Jimmy John’s, Olive Garden, Pancheros and Joe Senser’s are all a short drive from campus, located just across interstate 494.
- Looking for a new study spot? Here are some of our students’ favorites:
- Centennial Lakes is a go-to for our students, perfect for picnics, studying by the water or just taking a break.
- Hyland Lake Park Reserve is another top-of-the-list study spot.
- There are several coffee shops nearby, like Caribou Coffee, Starbucks and Dunn Brothers. If you’re looking for a smaller, more local option, we suggest Mugshots Coffee or The Grind Coffee and Creamery in Bloomington.
- Looking for a group of nursing students to support you and your goals? Consider joining the Bloomington Student Nurse Organization (BSNO).
- The BSNO is student-led and faculty-supported, holding monthly meetings to help students develop professional skills by planning and conducting social, educational and community activities.
Picture yourself at the Rasmussen University – Bloomington campus
Here at the Rasmussen University – Bloomington Campus, our students are our first priority, and the strong sense of community and fellowship amongst our students is thriving.
“Our campus–the staff, faculty and students–operates like a family. I am always amazed at how dedicated and driven our students are while they have so many other responsibilities outside of their education,” Farm said. Each and every day, we are proud to be able to provide an inspiring and supportive environment to help our students reach their education goals.
If you want to learn more about how you might find your fit in our community of learners, check out our Bloomington campus Facebook page.
1 The Medical Assisting Diploma program at the Bloomington campus in Minnesota is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). 6116 Executive Blvd., Suite 730, North Bethesda, MD 20852, 301-291-7550
2 The associate nursing program at Rasmussen University at the Bloomington campus (with off-campus instructional sites in Hennepin/Anoka and Lake Elmo/Woodbury), located in Bloomington, Minnesota is accredited by the ACEN. The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for this associate nursing program is Continuing Accreditation with Conditions.
3 The Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing degree programs at Rasmussen University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791
